Kara Gilbert commissioned as Archdeacon for Women

“The occasion of the Synod Service has been used to commission the Rev Kara Gilbert as the new Archdeacon for women in the Sydney Diocese. Archbishop Jensen appointed Ms Gilbert to replace Archdeacon Narelle Jarrett, who retires this year…”

– Russell Powell has the story.

Last words: Archbishop Peter Jensen’s 2012 Synod Address

[Updated with video.]

Last night Archbishop Peter Jensen gave his last Presidential Address to the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney.

There was much encouragement as well as sober exhortation –

“I have never had such good opportunities in speaking to people about Jesus as in the last few three or four years. Our theory of Connect 09 is true – there are people everywhere who would like to know the gospel and will want us to befriend them. In particular lay people are ideally placed to quietly but confidently share Christ and show what a difference he makes.”

Hear (77 minutes / 53MB mp3) or read (PDF) Archbishop Jensen’s full address.

Video: – part 1 (first 35 minutes), part 2 (if you watch nothing else, watch the first 8 minutes of part 2).

It is well worth setting aside the time to hear or watch the whole address.

Report from Anglican Media Sydney.

Reform National Conference 2012

Reform has posted online audio from their recent UK National Conference, including –

Lessons from America – Martyn Minns
Culture in Crisis – Melvin Tinker
Gospel Trials in 1662: to stay or to go – Peter Adam.

Sydney Synod to begin Monday

The Synod of the Diocese of Sydney begins its 2012 gathering on Monday.

Please pray for all of the Synod members, and all the support staff and helpers who serve in many different ways.

Please particularly uphold in prayer Archbishop Peter Jensen as he delivers his last Address as President of the Synod.

Pray that the Lord Jesus would be glorified in all the discussions and deliberations of the Synod.

Related: Introduction-to-Synod videos.

Why Archbishops must lead Theologically

The latest issue of The Australian Church Record (number 1906 / October 2012) is now available for download at their website.

Here’s the Editorial –   Read more

Moore College Open Day September 29

“Each year Moore College holds an Open Day for you to come and meet current students and find out for yourself what Moore is all about. You are invited to Moore College Open Day 2012. The day will include a sample lecture from one of our faculty, a campus tour and plenty of opportunities for questions.”

Saturday 29 September 2012, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm. Details.

Forced adoptions apology

Media Statement from Archbishop Peter Jensen:

“As Archbishop of the Diocese of Sydney and President of ANGLICARE Sydney, I apologise and express our sincere regret for actions that have contributed to the past and ongoing distress of these mothers and their children.

In so doing, we reiterate the Diocesan apology issued through the NSW Standing Committee on Social Issues in 2000.

I unreservedly endorse the view that although policies and procedures were followed at the time, it is clear there were practices that caused emotional pain and long-term negative repercussions.

We are working to implement the recommendations made by the Senate Inquiry into Forced Adoptions. We are also currently putting into place a healing and restoration process with the women who are still experiencing emotional distress as a result of relinquishing their children.

On behalf of the Diocese, I would like express our sincere apology to mothers, fathers, children and other family members who suffered emotional pain or any kind of distress.

Dr Peter F Jensen

Archbishop of Sydney
21st September 2012.”

– Statement, with background, at SydneyAnglicans.net.

ABC Q&A 10 Sept 2012 now online

If you missed (or would like to see again) last night’s Q&A programme on ABC TV, it’s now available to watch or download on their website. Don’t miss the last word. (Image: ABC TV.)

Driving the Churches Away

Tim Challies writes about a matter for prayer –

“Toronto is a city of 2.6 million where churches are small and real estate is costly. For this reason many churches meet in gymnasiums and cafeterias they rent from the Toronto District School Board. … At the end of August each of these organizations was notified that they would face an imminent increase in rental fees. The next day they learned that this increase would range from 140% to 800% and that it would begin to go in effect in just four days.”

– Read it all here. And an update (Sept. 14.)

Q&A Monday 10th September — Archbishop Peter Jensen

Archbishop Peter Jensen is on Q&A, Monday 10 September, 9:35pm on ABC 1, repeated Tuesday at 12:30pm. (Interested in tweeting? Tips for #QandA Tweeting.) Image: ABC TV.

Iranian pastor released

“Iranian authorities acquit and free pastor Youcef Nadarkhani after three years of imprisonment…”

– Good news from many sources, including World Magazine. (Photo via Facebook.) More from Ed Stetzer.

NASA to honour Neil Armstrong at TEC National Cathedral

“NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and other dignitaries will attend a public memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral to honor the life and career of astronaut Neil Armstrong on Thursday, Sept. 13. Read more

Archbishop Peter Jensen on Q&A next week

Archbishop Peter Jensen will be on ABC TV’s Q&A next week (Monday September 10).

Q&A’s tag line is “Adventures in democracy” – so you may like to consider making your voice heard by being part of the studio audience, e-mailing questions, or by posting comments on Twitter.

(Image of a previous Q&A: ABC TV.)

Boak Jobbins (1947–2012)

Mark Thompson writes a very personal tribute to Canon Boak Jobbins –

“Boak was a fine pastor. He knew the people God had given him to love and he sought to love them genuinely. I remember many, many examples of his deep compassion, genuine sympathy, and gentle pastoral care. I remember watching him at funerals, visiting those in hospital, and talking with people after church. There was always a lot to learn from Boak. …”

– Read it all at Theological Theology.

Former Dean of Sydney dies

“The Reverend Canon Boak Jobbins, OAM, a former Dean of Sydney, has died at the age of 65. Canon Jobbins died suddenly at his home in Sydney on the morning of 1st September…”

– Sad news from SydneyAnglicans.net.

Canon Jobbins was Dean of Sydney 1992–2002. During that time he oversaw the major restoration work at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. In 2003, he was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Boak was a member of the ACL for many years, and was also a long-serving member of Standing Committee and the Presentation Board. He chaired the group which produced the Sunday Services liturgical resource published in 2001.

Most importantly, he knew and loved the Lord Jesus.

Please uphold in your prayers Boak’s family and the church at Darling Point, where he was Rector.

Photo: St Mark’s, Darling Point.

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